Scan barcode
A review by arthur_pendrgn
Puberty Is Gross But Also Really Awesome by Gina Loveless
I'm far too old to be the intended audience. I read this book because it is one of several that a group is attempting to ban from our public library.
This is by far the most inclusive of the books that the group is attempting to ban. The author warns you up front and certainly tells the readers that questioning their birth-assigned gender is ok. The graphics are teen friendly (or what an adult thinks is teen friendly). The book cover, however, does not invite teens to pick it up. (Actually, I think most of these books this group is trying to ban have covers that would cause teens to die of embarrassment.)
I do not think this book is for preteens or to replace "the talk." It seems geared for teens already in the throes of puberty who have questions about whether their experience is "normal." To that end, Loveless does an excellent job of providing guidance as to when to see a doctor. She also provides resources and plenty of sources (with citations).
Loveless addresses the physical issues of puberty but also goes on to address bullying, self-confidence, mental health, technology & screen time. All of these are worthy topics; unfortunately, most of those chapters are what all adults say all of the time. Loveless does strive for a chattier, more inviting tone, and sometimes she hits it.
Overall, this is a handy resource.
As for banning it, nah. Like always, parents have the right to decide what their children see and hear. They don't have the right to police what others' children see and hear. If you don't think your kids should read this, don't let them.
This is by far the most inclusive of the books that the group is attempting to ban. The author warns you up front and certainly tells the readers that questioning their birth-assigned gender is ok. The graphics are teen friendly (or what an adult thinks is teen friendly). The book cover, however, does not invite teens to pick it up. (Actually, I think most of these books this group is trying to ban have covers that would cause teens to die of embarrassment.)
I do not think this book is for preteens or to replace "the talk." It seems geared for teens already in the throes of puberty who have questions about whether their experience is "normal." To that end, Loveless does an excellent job of providing guidance as to when to see a doctor. She also provides resources and plenty of sources (with citations).
Loveless addresses the physical issues of puberty but also goes on to address bullying, self-confidence, mental health, technology & screen time. All of these are worthy topics; unfortunately, most of those chapters are what all adults say all of the time. Loveless does strive for a chattier, more inviting tone, and sometimes she hits it.
Overall, this is a handy resource.
As for banning it, nah. Like always, parents have the right to decide what their children see and hear. They don't have the right to police what others' children see and hear. If you don't think your kids should read this, don't let them.